Automatic player piano



Novi 10,1925 LSLQQ R. l. wlLcox vAUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO isa-Sheei lFiled July 5. 1925 NOV. 10,

F?. I. WHLQGX AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIAN() Filed July 5. 1923 5 Sheetsheze: 3

i618 jw Nov. 10, 1925 R. L WILCOX AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANo 5 Shevets-Sheot4 Filed July 5. 1923 IIIIII IIIII. 'Il' lll'll wwf@ WMS

' ISO Nov. 10, 1925. 1,561,199

R. l. wlLcox AUTOMATIC PLAYER PLANO Filed July 5. 192s s sheets-snm 5Ifufenm ffl/27001 iii) Patented Nov. 1Q, '1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFEQE.

RUSSELL I. WILCOX, F CHICAGO, ILLNOS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TOVJESTERN ELECTRC EANO COIVE'ANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATON 0FILLINOIS.

Application led July 5, 1923.

To uZZ 'whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, RUSSELL I. VILCOX, a citizen of the United States,and resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of illinois,have invented a certain new and useful improvement in Automatic PlayerPianos, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, andezractdescription, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming apart of this specification.

This invention relates to automatic player pianos of the character inwhich an indicator may be set to determine 'the particular selectionfrom a number of selections on a single music sheetwhich is to beplayed. Then upon the insertion of a. coin, or upon otherwise trippingthe mechanism, the music sheet is rapidly wound in one direction or theother as required to automatically select the desired piece, and then iswound slowly forward to play the selected piece.

The object of the invention is to provide a device of this characterwhich will be simple in construction and easy and certain in operation,and in which the probability of the selecting mechanism getting out ofadjustment is reduced to a minimum.

Another objectof the invention is to provide a new and improvedexpression device which will operate to more perfectly control thevolume of sound of the instrument.

One of the features of the invention is the selection controllingmechanism in which the co-operating valve members are both driven, anarm being set to automatically shift one of said valve members inrelation to 'the other to effect the selection of the desired piece.

Another feature resides inthe expression device which is so constructedas to obtain practically any degree of volume between the two extremesof loud and soft.

Other features and advantages will appear from time to time as thedescription of the invention progresses.

ln the drawings- Figure 1 is a face view of th-e tracker board of theplayer with the principal parts of the controlling mechanism associatedtherewith;

Figure 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1; fi

Serial No. 849,395.

Figure 3 is a. section on the line 3-3 of Figure l;

Figure-4 Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional view through the selecting mechanism with partsbroken away to show the driven selecting member and the relation of thedistributing disc thereto;

Figure 6 is a detached perspective view of one of the selecting valveelements;

Figure is a section onthe line 7-T of Figure l, and shows the tiltingbar which, upon actuation, is arranged to move the clutch members of thedevice into slow, forward or playing position;

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8-8 of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a sectional view through the cut-out valve;

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view through the valve shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional view through one of the drive clutches of theselecting mechais a section on the line et-t of vnism Figure l2 is aside elevation of the expression controlling bellows;

Figure 13 is a selection on the' line 13-13 of Figure 12;

Figure 111 is a. section on the line 1li- 1st of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a view of the lower portion of the expression devicesubstantially on the line 15-15 of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic layout shewing the pneumatic connectionsbetween the several parts of the controlling mechanism, and

Figure 17 is a section on the line 17-1T of Figure 1.

It is believed the invention will be best understood by a detaileddescription thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference charactersindicate like parts in the several figures, 2O indicates the drive shaftwhich may be driven from an electric motor, or other suitable source ofpower. The main drive shaft 20 is joined to the operating shaft 2lthrough the medium of a clutch member consisting of the sliding sleeve22 which is .secured on the end of the shaft 20 by means of the pins Q53passine' through slots 24 in the sleeve 22. Sleeve is norma ly forcedtoward the lel't by means ot the compression spring 25, and isproif'ided at its lett end with the notches F26 l 27 extendii1 0 Yrointhe h receive the pins .ig

fit @l L 14.0

il@ opposite sides of the sha *li i may, if desired, be teeh directlyinto @d substantially in a are the shafts 30, 3l lits 36 and 32 arearranged music sheet plane will the and r s in axial drinn shafts -3 bemerely Looseiy mounten gear which inesl` i the gear "n on the shaft isthe with the gear 26, and

shes witl'i the .in the idler gear 3r- 3l, which in turn '.,i the gear:23. The idlfr gear ided between the gear '23 and the zin order that theshaft 3ft may be driven in the opposite direction from the shalt 33.

Fixed lo the shaft 36, in any desired manner, are the sleeves and 46.Slidably mounted on the shat't is the collar The collar il is providedwith the oppositely extending vngers lf2 and 43 which slidably passthrough notches v-Li and respectively in the sleeves 39 and -lOrespectively. lllhen the collar 451 is shifted to the right, as seen iulligure l, the end of the pin l2 will be brought into the path of alugL6 xed to the hub li of the gear Thus, as the gear is in mesh with thedriven gear 2S, and as the pin ft2 slidably passes through the notch inthe collar 39, which is fixed to the shaft 30, the shafts 30 and 33 willbe driven whenev r the clutch sleeve lll is in its right hand position.

Slidably incnted on the shaft 32 is a collar L3 provi led with a lingerlll which passes freely through a notch in the sleeve 5i fii'ed to theis shifted to the right, as seen in Figure l, the end or the lin r i9 isbrought into the path of the lug carried by the hub oil the gear 3?.rlhus, as the gear 37 is driven from the gear 2S through the medium ofthe idler gear 36, the shaft 32 and its extension will be driven.

Pivotally mounted on the screw or bolt the bracket member is a bar shaftlllhen the collar1` tl e lower end of the bar 56 is moved to its lefthand position, indicated by the dotted lines, the pin 49 carried by thecollar -l6 will be positioned in the path ot' the lug 52, and theextension shalt 34.1. will be driven. vWhen, however, the bar 56occupies a mid position, as indicated in full lines in AFigure l, thedownwardly extending end 6.1 of the linger 43 will be placed in the pathof one of the lugs 62. rEhe shaft 33 will now be driven through themedium of the gears 29 and 36. The gears 29 and 36 are so proportionedthat gear 36 will lnale approxin'iately one revolution to twentyrevolutions of the gear rlhe gears 2S, 35 and 3'? are all otsubstantially equal size. Thus when the shafts or 311- are driventhrough the medium of the gears 35 or 37, they will move approximatelytwenty times as fast as will the shaft when driven through the medium ofthe gears 29 and 36.

Gears or 3T will be clutched to theirl respective shafts to wind themusic strip rapidly `forward or backward to select a desired piece onthe strip, while gear 36 will be clutched to shaft 30 to wind the musicstrip slowly forward to play the selected piece.

Carried on the shafts 33 and 34 are. the music sheet drums 63 and 64respectively. llvhen the bar 56 is moved with its lower end to the lett(Figure l), the gear 3'4"' will be lined to the shaft 32, and the drum64; will be rot-ated rapidly to rewind the lnusic sheet. lf, however,the lower end ot the bar 56 is moved to its right hand position, gear 35will be tired to the shaft 30 and the druin 63 will be rotated rapidlyto wind the music sheet toi-ward. lli, however, the bar 56 occupies anintermediate position, the gear 36 will be lined to the shaft 30 and thedrum 63 will be rotated to slowly wind the music sheet forward to playthe selected piece, Rotating with the inusic sheet rolls 63 and 6l aremusic roll drags 63 and 6.1i in the tori/n of small grooved rollers onthe shafts and Friction drag;` means engage with each of these rollers,such drag means not being illustrated as they are elements well known inthe art.

Loosely secured to the lower end ot' the bar 56 is a rod or link whichis adapted to be acted on by the rewind pneumatic 66 or the last forwardpneumatic 67 to shirt the bar 56 into either ot its extreme positions.The pneumatic 66 is provided with a projection 63 adapted to engage thelug 69 on the rod 65 when the pneumatic is collapsed, and, in likemanner, the pneumatic is provided with a projection 7() adapted toengage the lug 7l on the` rod 65 when this pneumatic is collapsed Thus,when the rewind pneumatic 66 is collapsed, the lower end of the bar 56is moved to the left and will cause the drum 6l to be rotated rapidlyllfA TID

Lat-31,199

rewind the music sheet. fast forward pneun'iatic 0'? is collapsed, barwill be moved to its extreme alternate position, and the drum 03 will herota ed to rapidly wind the uc sheet forwardly.

The mechanism for moving the bar into its intermediate or playingposition will now be described. lotatably mounted, by means of thepivots "J9 which pass loosely through openings in th bracket members 73,is a bar 7d. The bar llis provided with a pair of fingers and 76 whichentend adjacent to the bar 56 on opposite sides of its pivotal support illhztending latere-ily from the bar 'Tit adjacent to the lower endthereof is an arm 'T T connected bj.' a linlt T3 to the movalile part ofthe slow for 'ard or playing meumatic Thus when the pneumatic 79 iscollapsed, the har Fil is moved about its pivots 72 to brirf" thelaterally extending lingers 75 and into engagement with the edge of theshift bar 56, insuring that the l" oar will be .moved to itsintermediate or playing position.

From an inspection of YFigure l, it will be noted that when the l 50occupies an intermediate position, tl., igers ft2 and lt3 are disengagedfrom the lugs etti and rcspectiively, so that the shaft 33 is now driventhrough the medium ot gears 29 and 35. its the lugs G2 carried by thehub ot the gear 3G are engaged only by the downrmrdlj.' projectingportion 01 of tie lingl L.'l-3, .it is erident that when the collarfl-.l is moved either to its cxtreme right hand or left hand position,the gear will freely rotate ontlie shaft 30.

Brietiy stated, the clutch mechanism operates as follows: lf the rewindpneumatic 56 is collapsed, the lower end of bar is moved to its extremeleft position, and gear 3i" is loclred to the shaft and at this timebeim?, free to rotate about the shaft 30. lf the i. st torward pneumaticoi' is collapsed, the lower end of bar 56 is moved to its extreme rightposition, loft--y ing gear to shaft. 307 the gears and 5T at this timebeing free on their remi-active shafts. ',f, however, the slow forwardor playing pneumatic i' 9 collapsed, the bar Tft is rotated about itspivots 72, moving the bar 5G to its intermediate position, thusdisconnecting' the gears 35 and 3"? from their respective shafts andlocking gear 30 to the shaft 30.

lWhen bar 50 has been shifted to either of its extreme positions, itsmovement baclt to its intermediate position is resisted the followingmeans. @n the side of the bar 50 is rotatably secured the disc 256 whichis engaged by the laterally extending portion Q57 of the bar The bar 253is pivotally supported at and the portion 25'? thereof is forced towardthe disc Q53 by the action of tension spring of the shaft 35.

The indicating and Vselecting mechanism will now be described, referencebeing had particularly to the left portion of Figure 1 and Figures 3, d,5, 5 and 1T. lotatablv .mounted on the shaft or spindle 30 ll ure 3) isa worin wheel 31 which meshes with the worm 32 tixed to the shaft 33.Fixed to the Shaft 33 is a star wheel 84s provided with four radiallyextending slots 34". lirictionally secured to the portion 35 of thesupporting shaft for the forward wind drum 63, by sleeve 38, an arm 33provided at di ametrically opposite points with the laterally extendingpins 37 adapted to engage succes viely in. the slots 3st upon rotationThus the wheel 31 will be rotated, step by step, upon rotation of' thedrum G3. The purpose of this will be presently explained.

ris the shaft rotates with the forward wind drum G3, through the arm 3G,disc 84 and the worin 82, the worm wheel Si will be driven in onedirection or the other according to wlizet'her the music sheet is beingwound on or un wound from the drum 63.

tdnugly engaging the left side o t' the worm gear 81 is a distributing'disc 91 which is provided with four concentric grooves 92, 9st and 95(see Figure The disc .,l. is held against rotation with the gear 81 butis slidably mounted on a 'sleeve S9 so that it may loe resilientiypressed against the gear by the spring 90. The disc 91 is held againstrotation by a fork 91 which enr braces a fixed rod or pin ,91h (FiguresIl and 5). n. collar 39 on the sleeve 89 acts as a rear abutment for thespring 90. The worm gear 81 is provided with four openings which entendtherethrough. rlhe outermost opening 96 extends directly through thewheel and communicates with the outermost groove 92 in the distributingdisc The left openine,` 9T slants slightly upwardly, as seen in Figure5, and communicates with the groove 93 in the distlbi ii! n; disc. Thelowermost opening` 93 slants downwardly and communicates with. theinnerinost groove 95 in the disc 91 while the right hand opening 99communicates with the groove lt may be here explained that the solepurpose of the disc 91 is to provide constant communication between theopenings 90, 07, 9S and in the right face of the worm gear 31 and thetubes 1,00, 101, 102 and 103 which communicate with the grooves 92 to 95respectively.

ltotatably mounted on the right face of the worm gear 31, by mea1 s ofthe screw 104, is the disc 105. The screw 104i taps into the gear 31,and a spring 104iunder the head of the screw urges the disc 105v againstthe 3l. 'the disc- 105 is provided vith a central concentric groove 100(see Figure and a laterally extend it will be obvious that ing slot 107communicating therewith. The concentric groove 106 is adapted to overliethe opening 96 in the face of the worm gear 81. Thus the groove 105 andits extension 107 are at all times connected to the tube through thedistributing disc 91. As above stated, the disc is rotatably mounted onthe face of the worm gear 31, and when rotated in clochwise direction,as viewed from the rignt in Figure 3, the extension 10? is adapted tooverlie and communicate with the opening 97 in the worin. and beconnected through the groove 93 in the distributing disc 91 to the tube101. lllhen, however, the disc 1.05 is rotated in counterclockwisedirection, the extension 107 will overlie the opening 99, thus effectingeonnnunication through the groove 94 to the tube 102. Then the disc 105occupies an intermediate position, the extension 1075" will overlie theopening 98, thus effecting communication through the groove to the tube103. Briefly stated, the disc 105 acts to complete communication fromthe tube 100 to the tubes 101, 102 or 103 according to whether the discis rotated in a clockwise direction to its eXtreme position, in acounterclockwise direction to its extreme position, or is left inintermediate position.

Fixed to the shaft 30 for rot:` ion therewith is an arm 10S provided.with an inwardly extending finger 1.09 adapted to engage with the notchin the circumference of the disc 105 to rotate the disc to its variousoperativepositions. For illustration, if the shaft 80 is rotated in aclockwise direction, as viewed from the right in Figure 3, the disc 105will also be rotated in a. clockwise direction until the finger 109passes out of the notch 110. rlhis operation will rotate the disc 105liust far enough so that the extension 107 will overlie the opening 97in the face of the worin gear 31. 1f, however, the shaft 30 is rotatedin a counterclockwise direction, the lfinger 109 will operate to rotatethe disc 105 in a similar direction to position the extension 107 overthe opening 99.

Carried at the outer end of the arm 103 is a sleeve 112 within which isslidably arranged a plunger 113 provided at the inner end thereof withan anti-friction device, such as a roller 11-1. A compression spring 115is positioned between a shoulder on the sleeve 112 and the head of theplunger 113, and normally operates to force the plunger toward theright, as seen in Figure 3.

Pivotally supported by the ears 116 on the arm 108 is a lever 117, thelower end of which is adapted to engage the flange 11S of the collar 119slidably mounted on the shaft 80. The flange 120 of the collar 119 isarranged to be engaged by the bifurcated end of the strap 121 fixed tothe movable side of the pneumatic 122. The pneumatic 122 is connectedthrough the tube 123 to the main bellows, (not shown) and, therefore,constantly tends to collapse. whenever the instrument is in operation.'lhe result of this is that the lower end of the lever 117 is urgedtoward the right, thus forcing the plunger 113 towards the left andmaintaining the roller 1111- in engagement with the face of the wormgear S1. The worin gear S1 is provided with an opening 121; which is inthe path of travel of the roller 114, and is positioned on the radius ofthe worm gear 31 which passes through the opening 93 and. pivot screw10i- Thus whenever thc main bellows of the instrument is in operationand the arm 103 reaches a position such that the extension 10T in thedisc 105 overlies the opening 93, the roller 11-1 will be forced intothe opening 121i in the worm gear and loclr the parts in this position1t may be here noted that the opening 99 through the tube 102 controlsthe actuation of the rewind pneumatic: 96, the opening 9T through theagency of tube 101 operates to control the actuation of the fast forwardpneumatic 67, and the opening 9S through the agency oi' tube 103operates to control the actuation of the slow forward or playingpneumatic 79. The manner in which this is brought about will besubsequently described.

The disc 105 is provided in its edge with a plurality of depressions125, 126 and 127. Rotatably mounted on the pin 128 (Figure is an arm 129having an oiiset end 130 adapted to engage the notches 125, 120 and 127,and thus tend to retain the disc 105 in its actuated positions. Thenotches 125, 126 and 12T are arranged in accordance with the positionswhich the disc 105 must occupy in order that the extension 107 mayoverlie the openings 97, 93 and 99 respectively. The extension 130 ismaintained in engagement with the periphery of the disc 105 by means oftne spring 131 which tends to rotate the cani in a clockwise direction,as seen in Figure 1.

Fixedly mounted about the shaft 90 is a dial 132 which is provided withdivisions about its circumference ranging from 0 to 100, as shown at theleft in Figure 1. Fixed to the shaft 80 is a pointer 133 which isadapted to be moved over the dial 132 when the shaft 80 is rotated bymeans of the hand wheel 131. The right hand side of the dial is providedwith an arcuate slot 135 in which is mounted an adjustable stop 136. Bvreleasing the nut 136 the stop can be shifted to any desired point inthe slot and clamped there. This stop is intended to be set on the dialin a position corresponding to the end of the last selection on thesheet, which may be determined from a stop setting number on the musicsheet, or by trial. This -ll (l 1,5e1,1ee E stop ilirereuts the pointerbeine adnext be described. The purpose oli this ranced beyond thislszoint. cut-out valve, shown in detail in 'eures 9 .it m15v be hei-eleii'yelgplained that when and 10, is to in one position cut ott the anew music sheet 44rip is placed on the rolls connection ot the tube 103to the valre 'Chest l and het. the pe' iff-il placed at 0 at and openthe tube 102 directly to the atthe beginning ot' the strip, and as thepiece mospl ere, and in the other position to close is wound forwardfrom the drinn 6-1- onto the openingl in the tube 102 tothe atmospherethe drum 655, the indication ot the pointer and connect theltube 103through to its parat the beginning ot each ot the successive pieces orselections is noted. '[hus, the hand 133 may point to '1I-3 at thebeginning olf the second piece, at the beginning ot the third, el() atthe beginning ot the ltoui'tln and .so toi-th. Then a program ma)7 bemade out in which the title oi each ot the selections will be tollowedbj.; an indication as l0, etc., and in the subsequent of eration ot theinstrument, the particular piece will beselected by moving the pointerto the correspondinv indication on the dial. As shown in Fi I3, the dialmay be mounted on a stationary' boss 136 through the pro-v vision of aspring pressed detent 1259 on the rear ot the dial Which is adapted tosnap into a small opening' in the top ot the boss 136.

In order that the sha't't 60 may remain stationair)Y after being set toindicate a selection, and ret maj)y be readily moved to malte theselection. the lollon-*ing` mechanism is prov'ided. Fixed to the lettend oit' the sha'lt 60, as seen in TEigure 3, is a bralre disc or drum150 adapted to be engaged .by a brake shoe 151 (Figures 1 and 3).

The brake shoe 151 is carried by a lever 152 W `rich is pivotall).lvmounted. on the stud rhc movable sido 151 o' the pneumatic 155 isprovided with an arm 156 which is adapted to engage the projectingl end157 of the bralre lever The pneumatic 155 connected through the mediumot the tube 15S directly to the main bellows (not shown). Thus when thep ayer is at rest7 the shaft 60 may he readiliv turned to indicate theselection desired. 'i'lhen, however, the instrument has been startedinto operation, the pneumatic will be collapsed, causing` the bralreshoe 151 to lirmly engage the brake di e 15th thus tendingI to preventrotation et the shaft' 80.

Proiecting from the Worm gear 81 is a lug 159 which, upon rotation inone direction,

is adapted to engage the 1.60 acent to the Worm 82 and upon. rotation oithe Worm `gear in the opposite direction, the lug Will engage thelug'161 on the opposite4 side of the Worin 62. This arrangement isprovided in order to limit the degree ot rotation of the Worm Ojear 8LShinild the drum con'tinue to rotate after the l thus shaft v will'turn. in .thesleeve 66 preventing damage to the selecti 159y hasengagedthe lug 160, or lugA 161..y the.

ticular operating part in the Valve chest. This valve is operated in onedirection when the rewind cutting' at the end ot the music strip passesover the tracker bar. Aand in the other direction when the replaycutting in the music strip, precedingiI the tiret selection, passes overthe traclrer bar. illveu the Valve' is actuated by the rewind cutting',the rewind pneumatic is caused to collapse, and when actuated by thereplay cutting at the beginning; ot' the music strip. the slow forwardor play pneumatic control line is clear to operate through the Valve 162cutting off the openingv 164.

Referring' new to Figure 9, it will be noted that the Valve consists ofthe tapered sleeve 162 having the opening 163 With which the tube 1021communicates, and an opposite openiinij,` 164. The sleeve also has anopening` 165 which communicates with the tube 108, and an oppositeopening 166 which is connected. by means ot the tube 103.u to the Valvechest 167, as shown in Figure 16 l/Uithin the tapered sleeve 162 is thecore` 168 having a pair of openings 169 and 170 therethrough. The core166 is adapted to be rotated through the medium ot the arm 171 bymeansot the pneumatics 172 and 173 (Figures 1 and 16). Upon the collapseoi pneumatic 172` the valve member 166 is rotated in a clockwisedirection.` as seen in- Figure 16, and places the transverse opening 169in a position to join the tube 1021 to the opening 164-. thus creatineatmospheric pressure in the tube 102 and likewise in the tube 1022. Thenatmospheric pressure is admitted to tube 1022, it operates a valve inthe Valve chest 16'?,` Which connects the tube 1023 to the Vacuumchamber in the Valve chest 167, thus causing' the operation of therewind pneumatic 66.

Upon the collapse ofthe pneumatic Y the valve member 16S is rotated in aecu. clockwise direction., shuttingl oli the tube 1021 from theatmosphere. and connecting tube 103 to tube 103l through the opening Theexpression device .next be described. 4 This expression ldevice consistsof a pair ofpneumatics 1754 and 176 ywhich are mounted on opposite sidesof the L lired partitionl'''l Leading' trein the exoression dei/,iode isja tubeA 1.78 which tornshown at the lett i -in Figure 16. and also inFigures 12. 13., el .and 15, by means of which the volume menige playeraction decreased, the vacuuni within the pneumatic 176 will be slightlyincreased, ca ising it to collapse to a greater extent, thus moving theplate 196 down- Wardlyv to close a greater portion ot the opening in therecess 186. in this Way, thc degree vacuuin in the player action ismaintained at all times substanti/alli,7 constant, and in accordancewith the position occupied by the adjustable plate 188 ot the pneumatic1'? lli/'lith the present expression device, any desired degree ofVolume between the two xtreme liinits may be obtained by adjustine` theplate 18S to the desired position.

Ti'vhile in the present disclosure, no partie ular means is disclosef;for actuating the rod 1597 it is to be understood that his rod may hezdjustt means oit a lever extending cxteriorly to the instrun'ient case`or, it desired, may be adjusted througl'i the niedium oi" openings inthe inusic sheet strip.

.Cen operation f l 'ice vwill nou' he descrioed. suine that theccuitrollingi` nie position indicated in lf' l to pla); a selectionwhich is in@` the pointer 133 to pos ting` the pointer. as just t eser'`ift tlf `will be rotated in a elo-cl; i

ie 1th and L in a ciocltes Vieuod troni the right 'n.F the disc 105 willalso he rotatt se direction to pia the n through tube 101 wwith the ireineinher in "i l f Arinitis the air the i'aii'e chest 1o finit-h oru'ardpirinto be exhai. ted troni the tast i matic se ot' the pneun'iaticshiitt bar will causing' the found on the drun'i o3. torea as the .musicstrip is Wound on the p" 'otated in a druni oo, the gear will beclockwise direction, thus bringing the notch 110 in the 'iso intoengagement with the in entendirfg tiifzer 109 car4 ried hy t-lr-v arn'i'lO/9. Upon congear 81, trio nioveinent tiniied rotation f disc 105 willbe re ot the ouer ed gear 81. l enter Vthe openinciting the select rl"hetube 100 which terminates at one end in the o" Ot) in the tracker bari201. fis the openii 20() .is now uncovered by one oit the, cuttin .902in the inusic sheet, the slow forward or playing pneumatic T9 iscollapsed, actiniting the bar T1 i'vhieh, through lingers 75 and 75,inoif'cs the shift bar 56 into its intermediatc position. The 3() willnow be locker to gears 35 i ufl-.l be disconnected troni the shafts i0and 32 respectively, thus causing the. inusicsgrii the be Wound slowlyupon druin 63. ililhen trie selection has been coinpleteljiv played, then'iotor will be shut oli7 by appropriate ineans which need not be heredescribed as it forros no part ct the present invention.

Assuming ioW that is desired to play a selection indicated by licaosition 13, the pointer 133 Will be rotated in counterclockwisedirection, as riefed in Figure i, until it occupies position 13. Duringthis movement`r the selecting` disc 105 `has been rotated in acounterclocltwisc direction, as viewed troni the right in Figure 1G,thus inciting the extension 1Q? over the opening 9i) which communicatestl rough the tnhe 102 with the particular valve in the valve chest whichjoins the tube 102:7, to the eX- haist chamber, thus causing` the rewindpneinnatic "f t J f it into engagement wr'l the tineei 10Q,

i D and disc 105 will be rotate?. to cau e the extension 10? to o'rerlicthe opening` 98.. `on' as the. tracker bar opening` 20G is uncoi'ered byone ot the-out tings 202 in the nn a, the planing pneumatic i will becoilaps ci., as ireifiously descrioed, andv the piece will `be pla'velith-en the inulc s e' .cuttings on the beyond-the ,racket ne shaft 30While the fi" lill) CFI . of the roller bar 201, the opening ,-,05 inwill be uncovered bv t i in the music strip vih the end ot the lastselection. i is joined through the tube 205 with tA c particular valvein the valve chest 16T which joins the tube 205, to the exhaust chamber.Thus, when the o enin VV 203 is uncovered, the pneumatic 11,2controlling; the cut-out valve will he collapsed, rotating the movablemember oi the cut-out valve .in aclo/'livvise direction. In thismoY-Jement, the valve will connect the tube 102 to the atmospherethrough the port 16d, and will close the connection bem-'een tubes 103and 103,. As the tube 10:22 is non' connected to the atmosphere throughthe tube 102, a id port loll, the rewind pneumatic 06 will be collane/adand will cause the music strip to be renie-und rapidly. Then the striphas been conipletely rewound, the opening 206 in the tracker bar Will beuncovered by the replay opening 20.7 at the beginningl ot' the musi;-strip, causing the pneun'iatic 1173 to collapse and rotate the movablemember in the valve 162 in a countercloclzivise direction, thus closing'the connection between tube 102 and port 164, and joining the tube 103to tube' 103,. As the tracker bar openiir?,` 200 is at this timeuncovered by one oitl the openings 202, the pneumatic 79 will beactuated to disconnect the gear 37 it'ron'i shaft 82 and connect gear 36to shaft Thus, i1a it Were not for the fact that the motor is stopped atthis time by the means previoushT rererred to, the first selection inthe series vwould be played. It now a, coin b inserted or the motor betripped in any other manner, Without the indicator having been i oved,the iirst selection on the music strip will be played. Likewise, it themotor be tripped in any other manner, Without the indicator having beenmoved, the irirst selection on the music strip will be played. Likewise,if another coin is inserted after the rst selec tion. has been played,Without the indicator having been moved in the meantime, the secondselection will be played, and so on. Thus, il the indicator is notmoved, the instrument Will continue to play the pieces successively, oneafter another. until all ot the selections have been played, and villthen return to the irst piece, ready to repeat the operation.

At any timehoivever, When the instrument is at rest,the pointer 133 nmvbe moved to position to indicate any c esired one o" the selections onthe music strip, and upon the subsequent operation of the instrument,theselected piece Will be played. 1t sl'iould vbe noted that at all timesWhile the instrument is in, Operation, the selecting,` arm 108 is lockedto the Worm ,Q'ear e1 by reason opening 1241 in gear 8l. 1t willlio-reinema bercd that the pnenm;y which Yforces the 'ringer 1123carrying roller 114 towards the gear Wheel, is collapsed at all timesWhile the main bello-ws is in operation. rlhus durno' the playiin;l ofthe sucessive pieces, the selecting arm 108 is carried around Witl'i.the valve members, and its position in relation to the gear 81 can bechanged only While the instrument is at rest.

above explained, the controlling mechanism is moved by the shatt whichcarries the forward wind drum through the medium ot the arm S6 and theslotted disc Sil. This niiechanism imma ts a step by step moven'ient tothe selecting disc 105, thus insuring' that when the slot extension 101dot.' the controlling' disc has reached a position such that it is aboutto over-lie one of the control openrs 9'?, 9S or 09 in the disc 81, thefinal vement will take place quickly. thus detiiining; the instant whenthe cor-- pneumatic Will operate.

the drawings and in the above description but a single embodiment otapi'ilicants invention has been disclosed, it is o be under stood t iatmodiiications are contemplated and the invention should be limited,therefore, only by the scope ot the appended claims.

That I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent ot the UnitedStates is:

1. In an automatic player piano, a pair o'lI drums, means for rotatingsaid drums in opposite directions to iind the music strip in onedirection or the other, and a selecting' device tor controlling, theoperation ot said drums, said selecting device consisting of a movableelement operatively associated with one ol said drums, a valve movablysupported on said movable element and a cio-operating movableelementadapted to be manually set.

2. ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums, a motor mechanism,meansY lor joining said motor mechanism to said drums 'for rotating themin opposite directions to Wind the music strip in one direction or theother, and selecting means for controlling' the operation of said meanstor joining', said selecting,` means consisting of a movable elementoperatively associated with one oli said drums. a valve pivotallysupported on said movable element and a cooperating' element adapted tobe manually set.

3. ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive themusic strip, motor mechaism for rotating one or the other of said durmsto move the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectivelyjoining; said drums to said motor mechanism,

and selecting` device for controlling the operation ot saro. means forgoimng, said seed on said first rotatable element eccentricallj oit thelatters center ot rotation as to be carried thereby.

4. dfn an automatic player pianof` a pair o? drums adapted to receivethe music strip, motor .mechanism for selectivelj1 rotati one or theother or" said drums to move t strip in one direction or the other,means 'lor selectively joining said drun'is to sait motor mechanism. anda selectinol device for controlling' the operation ot said means torjoining, said selecting device consisting' of a rotatable element drivenfrom one ot' said drums, an element carried by said rotatable element`and a third element movable independently ot said 'first tivo elementsand adapted to be set manually to actuate said second mentioned element.

5. ln an automatic player piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive themusic strip motor mechanism tor selectivelv rotating; one or the otherIot said drums to move the strip in one direction or the other. means forselectively' joining' said drums to said motor mechanism, and aselecting' device :tor controllingv the operation ot said means 'forjoining'. said selectingi device consisting` ot a rotatable discoperativelv joined to one ot said drums and arranged to be driven therebi; said disc having' 'perforations thereir1 a second disc rotatablymounted on said iii'st disc and provided vvith a pertoration. and an armseparate therefrom and adapted to be manuallv set and rotated step bj.'stejo incident to the operation otl the piano said arm being' arrangedto rotate said second disc to cause its perforation to overlie one l otthe perforations in said first or the otner mentioned disc.

(i. ln an automatic plaver piano. a pair cit drums adapted to receivethe music strip. motor mechanism Ytor selectivelv rotating one or theother ot said drumsto move the strip in one direction or the other.means tor selcctiveli' joining; said drums to said meter mechanism. anda selecting' device 'toi' coninn' the operation ot said means for joinisaid selecting; device consistir; al o'lE rotatable disc operativelvjoined to one oit said rums and arranged to be driven therebv. said drumhaving' pericorations thereinA a second disc rotatablv mounted on saiddisc eccentricallv ot the latters cent-er rotation and provided With aperforation and an arm adapted to be manually set and ar ranged torotate said second disc to cause its perforation to overlie one or theother of the pertorations in said first mentioned disc.

7. In an automatic plaver piano. a pair of drums adapted to receive themusic strip. motor mechanism for selectivelj7 rotating; one or the otherof said drums t0 move the strip in one direction or the other, means forselectively joining said drumsto said motor mechanism, and a selecting`device for controllingl the operation of said means for said selectingdevice consisting of a e disc driven by one or the other ot said drums,a secoue` disc rotatably mounted on said lire' disc7 said discs beingprovided 'with openings adapted to be brought into alignment uponrotation olf said second disc on said iirst disc and an arm separateJfrom said second disc adapted to be set manually and arranged to rotatesaid second disc in relation to said tirst disc ivhen said first dischas rotated to a point corresponding1 to the set position ot said arm.

8. ln an automatic player piano. a pair ot drums adapted to receive themusic strip. a tracker bar motor mechanism tor rotating one or the otherot said drums to move the strip in one direction or the otherv a pairoi? clutches Jor respectively joining; said drums to said motoru'iechanism, al lever for operating said clutches, a p, air or"pneumatics Vtor moving` said lever in one direction or the other toselectivelj7 actuate said clutches. a second lever, means carried bysaid seconl lever for moving said first mentionel lever into neutralpositioin a pneumatic for actuating' said second mentioned lever7 andoneratinp; mechaism operable to selectivelv energize each oi" said threepneiunatics through a single control aperture in said tra cker bar. j

9. In an automatic plaver piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive themusic` strip. motor mechanism tor rotatingl one or the other ot saiddrums to ivind the strip in one direction or the other. clutches. onefor each of said drums for it to the motor mechanisnn a lever pivotalivsupported intermediate said clutches and provided with means for moving`one the other ot said clutches into operat positio'r as said lever isrotated in one direction or the other.

pair of pneumatica for selectivelv i ving said levern a second leverpir-,totally7 si ported intermediate its ends. means projecting' fromsaid second lever adapted to engage sait. firstlever on opposite sidesof its pivotal support.y a pneumatic tor actuating said second lever`and a pair of spur gears adapted to onerativelv connect said motormechanism With one of said drums upon the actuation ot said latterpneumatic. y

l0. In an automatic player piano, the combination of a pair ot drumsadapted to receive the music strip., a driving member 'for selectivelvrotating; one or the other of said drums. selective connecting mechanismfor connecting said driving member to said drums tor Winding the stripin one direction or the other. a tast forward pneumatic for actuatingsaid connecting mechanism to drive one oi' said drums for a tast forwardmotion of the music strip, a rewind pneumatic for actuating saidconnecting mechanism to drive one or said drums for a rewind motion ofsaid music strip, a playing; pneumatic 'for actuating said connecting`mechanisin to drive one oit said drums forl a playing,r motion o't' saidmusic strip, a primary valve for each of said pneumatics, select-ormechanism comprising a control element adapted to he advanced with themotion or' the music sheet, a tracker har havingv a main controlaperture therein, a main duct leading' from said aperture to saidselector mechanism, three ducts leading' 'from said selector mechanismto the three primary valves which control said forward,v rewind andplaying` pueumatics, said selector mechanism operating' to place saidmain duct lea-ding from the trac rer har control aperture in selectivecommunir'fation with said three ducts, separate valve mea-.ns 'torpreventing` the operation ot said playing' pneumatic, venting means torventinif' atmosphere into the duct leading 'from said selector mechanismto the prin'iary valve for said rewind pneumatic. and pneu-matic meanscontrolled from said tracker oar tor c-:mtrollingl `d separate valvemeans and sa id venting means.

l1. In an automatic player' piano, a pair oi drums adapt-ed to receivethe music stripv` motor mechanism i'or selectively rotat: one or theother of said drums to wind the strip in one direction or the other, torselectively joining said drums to said motor mechanism, a selecting'device for controlling the operation of said means for joining, saidselecting device consisting et tivo rotatable elements, one o't which isoperatively joinedr to one of said drums, the other being' ar'- rangedto he set manually, a brake for -preventing rotation of said manuallyseit element, and means for applying' said hra'lrev only when said pianoin playing ope-ration.

l2. In an automatic player piano, a i ot drums adapt d to receive themusic st L), motor meehan i for' selectively rotating one or the otherot sa'd drums to Wind the strip in one direction or the other, means torselectively joinin said drums to said n'iotor mechanism, a selecting'device; tor controlling the opera-tion of said means for joining', saidselecting' device consisting oct one element arranged to be driven fromone oit said drums, and the secondelement adapted to he manually set,and a brake adapted to prevent movement of said manually set element.`s'aid hralre being; normally retracted to permit said manually setelement to he moved treely, and pneumatically actuated means forapplying' said brake when said piano is in normal playing operation.

413. In an automatic player piano; a pair of drums adapted to receivethe music strip, a drivingr member for selectively rotating one o1' theother of said drums to Wind the strip in one direction or the other,means for selectively joiningl said drums to said driving' member and aselecting' device :tor controlling the operation ot said means torjoining; said selecting' device comprising` a plate having a pluralityYot concentric grooves in its tace, a rot-ary member adapted to beadvanced in substantial synchronism Wit-h the travel of the music strip,said rotary member having' holes therein for registration with saidygrooves, a valve ineinher m'ovahly supported on said rotary inemher indirect contact therewith and having' a passageway adapted to registerwith ditferent ones of said holes, and a manually set operating memberadapted to move said valve in the cotation' of said rotary inc'nrher.

lli. In an automatic player piano.l a pair ot drums adapted to receivethe music stripA` motor mechanism for rotating one or the other of saiddrums to Wind the strip in one direction or the other, means forselectively joining said drums to said motor mechanisn'r. a selecting'device for controlling the operation. ot said means tor ioininn', saidselecting' device consisting or tivo rotatable elements` one or saidelements heine" arranged to he set manually, and drivi o' ineansassociated With one of said drums 'tor movi g the other said element,said driving; means consisting' an arm attached intermediate its ends toone of said drums, laterally projecting' nins at the opposite ends otsaid arm, a. shaft in geared relation tol said driven element, discfixed to said shatt provided with a plurality of radially extendingslots, said pins heine' adapted to said slots on rotation oi thecorresponding' drum.

15. In an automatic player piano, the couiloina-tion of a pair ot drumsadapted to receive the music strip1 a driving member tor selectivelyrotatin'lu one or 4the' other oi said drums, selective connectinermechanisni ttor connecting said drivii'igr member to said drums forWinding' the strip in one direction or the other, a last forwardpneumatic for actuating; said connecting; mechanism to drive one of saiddrums tor a Jfast Ytor'Ward motion of the n'iusic strip, a rewindpneumatic for' actuating said connectingv mechanism to drive one ot saiddrums for aA re- Wind motion or said music strip, a pla-yimgT pneumaticfor actua ing said connecting mechanism to drive one oi said drums Atora playing' motion ci said' music strip. a primary valve for each of saidpneum'atics, selector mechanism comprising;` a control element adaptedto he advanced with the inotion of the music sheet` a tracker' harhaving' a main cont-rol aperture the-rein; a m'ain ductlearding troni'said aperture to said selector mechanism, three duct-s leading' fromsaidV selector mechanism to the three primary valves Which control said?fast' forwarde re'- Wind and playingVV pneumatcs, said selectormechanism operating to place said main duct leading from the tracker harcontrol aperture in select-ive communication with said three ducts,cut-ott valve means interposed in the duct leading trom said selectormechanism to the primary valve Vfor said playing pneumatic; ventingmeans tor vening atmosphere into the duct leading' troni said selectormechanism to the primar "zito `for said rewind pneumatic, a pair oi"control pneumatics tor actuating sain cutoti valve means and saidventing means. pri valves tor said latter controlling pneumA l and ductsleading from said latter primaryY valves to apertures in said trackerbar.

16. In an automatic player piano, a pair ot' drums adapted to receivethe music strip.. motor mechanism for selectively rotating' one or theother of said drums to wind the strip in one direction or the other,means for selectively joininff said drums to said motor mechanism; a.selecting device tor controlling the operation ot said means torjoining, said selecting device consisting' ot an element operativelyjoined to one of said drums, and a second element adapted to be manuallyset relatively to said first element` said second element advancing withsaid first elementl when the latter is driven by said drum, andpneumatically iuttuatee means tor preventing relative movement hetweeusaid elements while said piano is in playing operation.

l?. ln an automatic player piano, a selecting device consisting ot anelement adapted to he mechanically rotated, a seconn element arranged tobe manually set, means tor lot-ll:- ing said second elementto said firstelement`v and j )neuinatic means 'for actuating said locking means.

18. In an automatic player piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive themusic strip` motor mechanism, means tor joining said motor mechanism toone of said drums rapidly to rewind the music strip, second means torjoining said motor mechanism to the other drum rapidly to wind saidmusic strip, and a third means for joining` said moe tor mechanism tosaid last mentioned drum to wind the said strip during playingoperation, pneumatics for said means, respective ly, for actuating thesame, and selecting mechanism for controlling the operation oit saidpneumatics, said selecting mechanism consisting of a disc operativelyassociated with one of said drums and provided with openings, one foreach of said pnenmatics, second disc rotatably mounted on said firstdisc and provided with an opening adapted to selectively overlie one oranother et the openings in said first mentioned disc, and manuallyactuated means adapted to rotate said second mentioned disc to cause theopening therein selectively to overlie one or the other ot the openingsin said first mentioned disc.

19. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive themusic strip, a tracker bar, a driving` member, means tor joining saiddriving member to one oit said drunis to rewind the music strip, arewind duct controlling said means` a second moans tor oining saiddriving member to the other drum to impart a tast `forward motionthereto tor winding said music strip, a tast 'forA ward duct controllingsaid second means, a third means tor joining said driving` mein` ber toone oi sait drums to slowly wind the strip during playing operation, aplaying duct controlling said third means, an air venting aperture inthe tracker bar tor eontrolling said ducts, and valve mechanismoperative to place said single controlling aperture in communicationwith either said rewind duct, said tast forward duct, or said playingduct.

20. In an automatic player piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive themusic strip, a tracker bar, a driving member, means tor joining saiddriving` .member to one of said drums to rewind the music strip,actuating means for said joining means comprising a pneumatic valve, arewind duct controlling` said pneumatic valve, a second j oining meansfor joining said driving member to the other drum to impart a forwardrotation thereto for winding said music strip, actuating means yfor saidsecond joining means com prising a pneumatic valve, a` 'forward notionduct controlling said pneumatic valve, a third joining means for joiningsaid driving member to one ot said drums to slowly wind the strip duringplaying operation, actuating means tor said third joining meanscomprising a pneumatic valve, a playing duct controlling said pneumaticvalve, a controlling aperture in said tracker bar, selecting meanscomprisingl a movable element operatively associated with one of saiddrums and av cooperatingmoveable element adapted to be manually set,said selectingI mechanism being operative to place said single controlaperture ot the tracker bar in communication with either said rewindduct` said forward motion duct, or said playing duct.

2i. ln an automatic player piano. a pair ot' drums adapted to receivethe music strip, a tracker bar, a driving member tor rotating one or theother of said drums, means for selectively joining said drums to saiddriving member to wind the music strip in one direction or the other,pneumatic means tor actuating said joining means, selecting mechanismcomprising a movable element operatively associated with one of saiddrums and a cooperating movable element adapted to be manually set, aduct between said pneumatic means and said selecting mechanism, a valvecooperating with said duct for controlling the flow through the latter,a pair of pneumatics for operating said valve, and controlling aperturesin said tracker bar for controlling said pneumatica.

22. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive themusic strip, a tracker bar, a driving member Yfor rotating one 0r theother of said drums, means for selectively joining said drums to saiddriving member for winding said music strip in one directionor theother, pneumatic means for actuating said joining means, selectingmechanism comprising n'iovable element operatively associated with oneot said drums and a cooperating` movable element adapted to be manuallyset, pair ot ducts between said pneumatic means and said selectingmechanism, a rotary valve operable to vent one of said ducts toatmosphere and to cut ofi' the other of said ducts, a pair ot pneumaticsfor rotating said valve and a pair ot control apertures in said trackerbe controlling said pneumatica.

23. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive themusic strip, a tracker bar, a driving member for selec tively rotatingone or the other of said drums to wind the strip in one direction or theother, means for selectively joining said drums to said driving member,a tast Jrorward pneumatic for actuating said joining means to drive oneoi said drums for a tast forward motion of the music strip, a rewindpneumatic for actuating said joining means to drive one of said drumsfor a rewinding motion of said music strip, a playing pneumatic foractuating` said joining means to drive one of said drums for a playingmotion of said music strip,r a primary valve for each of saidpneumatics, selector mech- -anism comprising a plate having tourconcentric grooves in its tace,` ducts connecting three of said grooveswith the three primary valves for said pneumatics, a duct con` nectingthe fourth groove with a iirst control aperture in said tracker bar,said selector mechanism comprising a rotary member adapted to beadvanced in substantial synchronism with the motion of the music strip,said rotary member having holes therein for registration with saidgrooves, a valve inember movably associated with said rotary member andhaving a passageway adapted to register with diii'erent ones ot saidholes, manually set operating means for tripping said valve member,valve means vtor interrupting the duct leading to the primary valve forsaid playing pneumatic, said latter valve means being also operative tovent atmosphere in the duct leading` to the primary valve for the rewindpneun'i tic.` a pair ot pneumatics tor actuatii" said last named valvemeans, a pair of ary valves controlling said latter pneumatics, andducts leading trom said last named primary valves to second and thirdcontrol aperturesV in said tracker bar.

2li-.ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receivethe music strip, driving means for rotating one or the other oi" saiddrums tov move the strip in one direction or the other, means forselectively joining said drums to said driving means, selector mechanismcomprising a rotating element driven by one oi said drums, a secondmovable element adapted to occupy delinite positions relative to saidrotating element, means tor clutching said second movable element tosaid rotating element in one position, and pneumatic means governed bythe operation of the piano for controlling said clutching means.

25.,v ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums, driving mean's,means for joining said driving means to said drums for rotating them inopposite directions to wind the music strip in one direction or theother, selector mechanism comprising a rotating element operativelyassociated with one of said drums, a manually set element adapted tocooperate therewith, means tor clutching said manually set element tosaid rotatable element, and pneumatic means governed by the operation ofthe piano for controlling said clutching means.

26. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive themusic strip, driving means for rotating one or the other oit said drumsto wind the strip in one direc-- tion or the other, means torselectively joining said drums to said driving means, a

selecting device tor controlling the operation for said means forjoining, said selecting device comprising two rotatable elements, oneor.' said elements beingarranged to be set manually, and 'driving meansassoiated with one of said drums for Vmoving the other said element,said driving means comprisin(r a pair or Geneva gear elements fortransmitting a step by step motion to the other said element.

in witness whereof, hereunto subscribe my name this l5 day or' June,1923.

RUSSELL l.. lNILCOX.

